Sunday, October 19, 2008

Vacation, Day 3

We began our day by worshiping at the Kauai Reformation Church, where I preached on Psalm 67 (often known as "The great missionary psalm") in the first service and article 10 of the Belgic Confession of Faith ("Who is Jesus Christ?") in the second service. It was good to see and visit with the people that we had met last year on our visit here. After church, we came back to our condo and enjoyed a very good lunch consisting of Japanese style Ebi-fried shrimp (from Costco), fresh pineapple, and Hawaiian sweet rolls. We also snacked on some Maui potato chips. I also chatted on the phone with a few different members of our church. I heard that the visiting minister this morning was well-received, which is always good to hear. It's also comforting to know that I have great elders who give wonderful care and shepherding to our congregation. Then we headed back to the pool, where we spent about an hour and a half. Tonight, we will be going to the home of the family that we stayed with on our trip last year and enjoying dinner with them.

2 comments:

Afternoon guy was excellent. He had an urgency about him that was very refreshing. Although he had that tonally-decending oxonian stutter at the end of most his sentences, it seemed more to allow him to put together what to say next than mere habit. I had a good chat w/ Rick about why I found him so compelling. He was clearly not as polished as the morning guy. However, I found it easier to remain attentive throughout the sermon because he was, for lack of a better word, more believable. I really believed that he was absolutely convinced that the message he was to deliver was of utmost importance. I'm not sure I can really explain what I mean without making the morning guy sound inferior (he wasn't at all) so I'll just leave it at that.

Hope all is well. And your absense is noted. Oh and I also noted that this is the 25th time in a row that you'll be on vacation when it's my turn to bring treats. It simply can't be a coincidence.

I've heard positive reports about both guys who filled in, which is great to hear. Martyn Lloyd-Jones makes that very point that you do (that ministers must believe that the message that they are about to proclaim is of vital importance).

We're having a great time here...but we already miss our church.

I can't believe that I missed you doing refreshments again. Next year, I'll have to coordinate my vacation schedule better.

About Me

The Rev. Kevin Efflandt is the pastor of the Zion United Reformed Church in Ripon, California. Prior to this, he served as church planter and pastor of the Bellingham United Reformed Church in Bellingham, Washington for 8 years. He is the husband of one wife and the father of two daughters.